An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has issued an interim injunction restraining Governor Ademola Adeleke and other state officials from appointing a new Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land.
The legal action followed the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran in September 2024, after a reign spanning 42 years.
Since his demise, the vacant throne has sparked interest among ruling families, prompting kingmakers to initiate screening procedures for potential candidates.
However, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe intervened, halting the process.
The court order specifically prohibits the governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Attorney General of Osun State, and others from taking any steps toward selecting or installing a new monarch.
The ruling came in response to a motion filed by members of the Ofokutu Royal Family, including Prince Debo Adeyemi and Prince Adeboye Adewale, alongside nine others.
They urged the court to prevent any appointments and also contested the collection of a N10 million nomination fee from contestants.
In suit number HIL/117/2024, the court directed all parties to suspend activities related to the selection of Prince Clement Adesuyi, members of the Haastrup family, or any other individual for the vacant stool.
The matter has been adjourned until January 14, 2025, for the hearing of the pending application.
